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According to Jones, first responders, Bear Lake Township Station 8, informed the couple that a fire in their bedroom had burned itself out. Because the bedroom door was closed, the fire died because of lack of oxygen. If the door had been opened, the fire would have re-ignited and the entire home might have burned Because the Jones' did not open the door, the fire was contained to the one room.

"The chimney was smoking. We walked around the house and saw the window was black. We called the fire department," said Alice Jones. "It's lucky we didn't open the door. We would have re-ignited the fire," she said.

According to Coldsprings Station 6 Chief, Tim McCullen, the home has extensive smoke damage. Jones said he was confident the home could be repaired so they could return.

"We have insurance," said Jones. He said the insurance company had already started processing their claim. This is the second time the home was touched by fire. Jones said he had a chimney fire a year ago. "We're lucky no one was at home when the fire started," said Alice Jones. Daughter, Jackie, was in school when the fire started. Her beloved pet, Focus, was lost in the fire. Focus stayed home because his owners felt he would be safer there than in the car.

"The fire chief said he just looked like he fell asleep," Jones said. Their other dog was safe.

Jones said she was overwhelmed by the rapid response of neighbors who offered to help, and the Red Cross, which was on its way within two hours of the fire. The Red Cross, from Traverse City, would assist the family in finding a place to stay until they found a temporary residence. Jones said neighbors had already offered a bed and provisions to help them.

"The neighbors in the area have been wonderful. They donated a bed, clothes, and other provisions," Jones said.

"We want to say a public thank you to the wonderful people in this neighborhood, and everybody who has helped us," said Alice Jones.